1. Importance of Handwriting Handwriting is one of the basic building blocks of good writing and plays a critical role in learning Steve Graham, Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College Young children who have difficulty mastering this skill often avoid writing and do not develop as writers. They also may have trouble taking notes and following along in class.

2. Try this: Write with your dominant hand for 2 minutes about any topic of interest.

3. Try this: Write with your NON-dominant hand and/or a poor pencil grip for 2 minutes about any topic of interest.

4. Pencil Grip support These are inefficient pencil grips

5. Mean Handwriting Speeds: Letters per Minute GradeGirlsBoys Grade 12117 Grade 23632 Grade 35045 Grade 46661 Grade 57571

6. Teaching Handwriting Letters are grouped (4-7 rule) Instruction daily and monitored Work to generalize in all writing. Mastery is important Every time grip and formation is critical!

7. Grouping Letters MANY OPTIONS – THIS IS JENNIFER’S PULL/DIRECTION IMPORTANT C, Clock, Frown Letters –a, c, d, f, g, o qu, s Tall Letters –b, h, k, l, t Line letters –i, j, m, n, p, r, u Other –e, v, w, x, y, z VIDEO SUPPORT